The ruins of Bramber Castle

Once a key stronghold after the Norman Conquest, used to command the Adur Valley and the river traffic up the river to Steyning, Bramber Castle was confiscated by King John and fell into disrepair as early as the late middle ages, being given a good beating in the Civil War to finish it off.

Today it's a great place for a picnic - quiet, atmospheric, easy to get to and with good car parking. And it's free.

While you walk up towards the castle you might notice the sign by the adjoining church which was also built by the Normans. It points out that the church is the only part of the original castle complex which is still in use - a rare triumph of peacemakers over warmongers.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR BRAMBER

Nash Manor B&B
Fringe Cottage B&B
Springwells Hotel

WEST SUSSEX TOWNS

Arundel Guide
Bognor Guide
Burgess Hill Guide
Chichester Guide
Crawley Guide
East Grinstead Guide
Haywards Heath Guide
Horsham Guide
Littlehampton Guide
Midhurst Guide
Petworth Guide
Shoreham-by-Sea Guide
Steyning Guide
Worthing Guide